*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

pmed JW Im thinking this computer is for me

 

Damn it the coupon doesnt work any more...

 

Yeah, they come and go QUICK!!

Keep an eye on these sites though, and you're bound to get a deal!!

 

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/HP-Pa...op/8569.aspx?gclid=CL_A3NPko5wCFQQjawoddBLKkQ

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/HP-Pa...op/8569.aspx?gclid=CL_A3NPko5wCFQQjawoddBLKkQ

$250 off + $250 Coupon HP HDX18t 18.4-in 1080p Blu-ray Laptop + 4GB RAM $949.99
FREE Windows 7 Upgrade
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HP Home - Huge $500 off HP HDX 18t Premium 18.4-inch Widescreen 1080p (16:9) Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz Blu-ray Laptop using $250 instant discount & $250 stackable coupon. Includes: FREE upgrade to 4GB RAM from 3GB ($50 value), 50% off Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 ($75 savings), save $60 instantly on any wireless printer and FREE shipping. Plus FREE Windows 7 upgrade & FREE HP DeskJet Printer ($70 value) after mail-in rebate. HDX18t features a new titanium "liquid metallic" design, optional Core 2 Quad QX9300, 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M, up to 1TB Hard Drive including SSD, Backlit Keyboard, HDMI and Home Theater-quality video/audio. To get this recommended HDX18t deal, please follow these steps:

1. Click here to start at HP Home
2. Click on Customize & Buy button on the right side
3. Select Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit for FREE
4. Choose FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory +$0
5. Click on Printer tab, select FREE HP DESKJET D4360 PRINTER
6. Click Review & Buy button, add to cart, and checkout
7. Apply coupon code: NZR91524

HP HDX 18t starts at: $1,449.99 - $250 off instantly - $250 stackable coupon = $949.99 with FREE shipping. Coupon expires after first 900 uses.

 

No worries they will ahve another out in a week.. the would be a good time for you to plan on what really is worth the money verse not..

2 320gb 7200's verse 2 250's and buy an SSD for one of the 250's and in a year when your HDD is slow you pop in the other that you have sitting..

The chip.. good call..

8gb of DDR3.. not if I had to do again.. Vista uses 6.8 in 64? I have heard but sees all 8gb in the system page.. I dont understand that but the pros around here have bounced that back and forth..

the 130m.. has zero problems.. wanting a 285m instead that will not work based on the MXM3 verse our MXM2...

I think researching the SSD's MLC verse SLC and bang for your buck.. the SSD's make the rig sooooooooooooooo fast..

So thats where I would have changed course personaly but I did not know at the time.. But it also gives me a reason to buy a Clevo so its not all bad..

Be well and no worries the coupons will be coming out again soon.

JW

 

This deal still works $500 off HDX18t - but you have to include a netbook in your order

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/hp-hdx18t-18-inch-laptop-with-hp-mini/14146.aspx

$500 Coupon HP HDX18t 18.4-in 1080p Blu-ray Laptop with HP Mini 110 XP netbook $1,279.98
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HP Home - $500 off coupon for HP HDX18t 18.4-inch Blu-ray Laptop on combo purchase of HP Mini 110 XP netbook. FREE upgrade to 4GB RAM from 3GB ($50 value), 50% off Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 ($75 savings), FREE HP DeskJet Printer on the HDX18t & Free Upgrade to 160GB Hard Drive on HP Mini 110 XP. To get this combo deal:

1. Click here to start at HP Home
2. Click on Customize & Buy button on the right side
3. Select Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit for FREE
4. Choose FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory +$0
5. Click Review & Buy button, add to cart, and checkout
6. Click here for HP Mini 110 XP, select Customize & Buy
7. Select FREE Upgrade to 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive +$0
8. Optional: Under Printer tab, include FREE DESKJET D4360 PRINTER
9. Click Review & Buy button, add to cart
10. Apply coupon code NBY4876 upon checkout

This deal: $1779.98 - $500 off coupon = $1,279.98 + $29 shipping. Coupon expires after first 1,000 redemptions.

HP Pavilion HDX 18t Specs (configure and upgrade to your liking):

* up to Core 2 Quad QX9300 QX9300 CPU
* up to 8GB DDR3; Fingerprint; up to 1GB GeForce GT130M
* up to 1TB Hard Drive; WebCam; Fingerprint reader
* 18.4" HP Ultra BrightView Infinity HD Display (1920x1080p)
* 802.11n; Bluetooth; Mobile Broadband; HDMI; Subwoofer

Basic specs & features of HP Mini 110 XP Netbook:

* Atom N270 1.6GHz; 1GB DDR2; GMA 950; 10.1" Anti-glare LED LCD
* Wireless-G; Webcam; HP Imprint Swirl; 5-in-1 Card Reader
* 16GB SSD/160GB HDD; 3-cell Battery; XP Home SP3 pre-installed

Optional upgrades: HD LED option, Pink/White colors, Atom N280 1.66GHz; Mobile Broadband, 6-cell Battery and 1366x768 matte Display.

 

Jackpot...fyi...call Hp And Ask For A Discount! I Am Getting 250$ Off My Hdx18, They Have Coupons That They Dont Publish

 

Very Cool!

Now the 2 week wait until you take delivery!

I ordered mine last night ,and I got an email today stating I have a Build Date of Aug. 21 , 2009

http://www.hphdx.net/Forum/tabid/55/forumid/9/postid/903/scope/posts/Default.aspx

I did this back in 2005 for my ZD-7000 - these typically ship Fedex from Quanta in Shanghai to Anchorage,AK to Ontario, California - then via Truck to me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quanta_Computer

In the meantime you can Read the Hardware Upgrade - er HDX 18t Service Manual Here:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01705400.pdf

 

Nice but, really check out elantic's deal!! That's two computers for $1,200!!!!

This is the Deal of the MONTH!!!

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Ordered! Im excited to say the least...QX9300, 4gb ddr3, blu ray, fingerprint reader=

 

Hey guys, I could use some help. Got my NB this afternoon. I am trying to update IE to version 8 and it tells me that it cannot run on this config. Has anybody else had this problem?

Aslo, I have a Logitech VX nano and I installed the software and tried to update, using 64-bit and it says that the downloaded file is corrupt and won't let it update.

Any suggestions?

Thanks everyone.

 

Do you need SP2?? Hmm. Try running all your Windows Updates, and IE will update automatically to IE8.

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In the meantime, Firefox is pretty good!

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Very Cool!

Re IE8 -

I never touch it

I use Firefox or Chrome for me.


Principal reason for my HDX18t is ability to Dual Boot into OSX - so i had to stick with the 9600M GT and 51MB.


You have 12 months to upgrade to the 3 year extended warranty.

A warning - My prior experience with HP "ultimate laptops" are well documented at http://www.hpnotebookforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=123. - i was "stevek" over there for many years - The same design team that brought out the ZD-7000 is behind the HDX series .

Typically the fully maxed out versions of these Quanta HP machines tend to overheat faster and are prone to fail earlier than the slower performing, lower cost versions. Back in 2005, HP/Quanta had problems with the large "Desktop replacement" Notebook's internal cooling and thermal management design. During transit, the plastic Notebook body would flex - causing the CPU thermal paste to break its bond between the Copper Heat extractor an the top of the Intel Chipset's Northbridge and the CPU itself. The Video GPU card is soldered to the main board using a Fine pitch BGA soldering technique and they have improved the Recipe significantly over these past 5 years - now that these machines are RoHS, WEEE compliant and employ lead free silver solder during assembly, tighter QC steps are employed. - but NEVER stick your HDX 18t under an airplane seat or wedge it in the trunk of your Miata - and allow it to be twisted like a propeller. The thin Plastic HP chassis is much less Rigid than a similar size Apple notebook - and undue flexing and warping of the HDX 18t Chassis during transit will flex the internal motherboard - and you will drastically shorten your quality time with your new HDX 18t significantly!

The Top model HDX 18t's Q9300 Mobo is unique from the standard HDX Motherboards - as it has added bulk capacitors and is designed for a wider extreme thermal cycle. it has its own part number!


My point - buy the 3 year warranty extension!

If You should need to contact HP for service- skip the normal HP phone number and chatting to the nice lady in India.

TO contact HP North American Technical support for your HP Notebook, Dial

866-300-3339 - The phone will ask for a transfer code, enter 900, from that point, ignore all prompts, and wait on the line.

You will get a friendly English speaking HP Technical Support person with real knowledge to help you.



And get in the habit of frequent rechecking this HP HDX 18t download site here:

http://h10061.www1.hp.com/ccsearch/...desc=HP+HDX+X18T-1100+CTO+Premium+Notebook+PC



Upon initial delivery - I recommend this sequence of events.

1) Inspect for chassis scratches, assembly issues.

2) Open all boxes and verify all accessories are delivered.

3) Do not power it on yet!

4) Remove the HDX 18t SATA OS hard drive,

Read the Hardware Upgrade - er HDX 18t Service Manual Here for instructions:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01705400.pdf

and connect it to your Desktop's SATA port and make an exact back-up image of the HDX 18t's HDD - I use Acronis backup. You want to create a path to restore the Factory HDX 18t drive to the "virgin state" of the Machine - pre delivery! This comes in handy should you swap out stock drives for something faster - and WHEN you have to send your high end Quanta laptop machine to Fremont, CA for service - you will be able to supply the machine to HP exactly as it arrived.

5) Reinstall the HDX 18t SATA OS hard drive.

6) Now proceed through the typical Vista / HP "Welcome to your new HP" and follow through with entering your personal User data.

7) HP has cleaned up the "HP Help and Support for Microsoft Vista" - be sure you have a good solid wired internet connection (not Wi-Fi), and Let it manage and find all the inevitable MS / Intel / nVidea updates - which may take a couple hours.



8) Start using your new computer -

Since I do HD video editing, In my case a solid test will be installing Sony Vegas Platinum ( $89 at Amazon), and capturing 2 hours of HDV footage - edit it down to a 30 minute show - and then let it render to DVD.

This "performing real work" number crunching sequence eventually stressed my old HP ZD-7000, - as exhibited by max CPU fan cycles every 15 minutes - when dong nothing more than browsing a PDF in Acrobat Reader! The ZD-7000's internal power supplies failed due the expansion / contraction of the thermal cycling and after 3 years of ownership - the SMD bulk electrolytic capacitors failed - rather like a 10 year old Hi-8 camcorder - these HP's have a "shelf life".They do NOT use the same grade level components as an Apple 8 core Nehalem Mac Pro desktop.

Its OK - we are ALL going to be using a faster better machine in 5 years - or less!


Be sure to NEVER place your HDX 18t directly on a Bedspread. NEVER BLOCK THE AIR INTAKES UNDER THIS LAPTOP. this will kill it swifty.

Its for these reasons in 2007 i swore id never buy another "non Apple Notebook"

But its a new year - and several peers all own 6 month old HP 17" notebook - purchased from Costco = and they work well. Plus I need and will use EVERY FEATURE the HP HDX18t provides! -

A 17" Macbook Pro just does not cut it for my principal needs, - which is designing digital Audio PC boards for the Cinema industry using Altium Designer.

www.altium.com

I need that numeric Keypad, ExpressCard54 slot, AND SD memory Slot, and ESATA Port and ability to install two 1TB sata drives - so All my resources are with me - and a security fingerprint reader built in.

What did Apple do in 2008? They removed the only high speed expansion slot they had - (Expresscard 34) and gave us a nice chunky $1000 Aluminum chassis, instead of features i need.

 

Nice!!

Has anyone noticed their HDD (or CPU) light (the 3rd to the right) turn Orange? Once in a while mine does. Not sure what to think!

If that is indeed a HDD light, I am concerned.

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with luck - I'll be able to answer that in a couple weeks!

 

I normally am a research junkie but time was of the essence so I had to order quickly. I wish I'd known that cause I woulda most likely went for the QX9300 but bought a Q9100.

 

Don't fear my man, that is a great processor too!

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Oh, I see you might have been referring to the Motherboard. Opps.

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Is the HDX18 not compatible with Vista64 Service Pack 2? Windows Update is not offering it and I have all the updates up-to-date. Is there anyone out there running Vista64 SP2 successfully on their HDX18?

 

Yeah, had I wanted to spend more, I would have definitely gone QX9300. I became aware of it having a completely different board a while back. Hopefully, my 'budget' HDX18 will serve me well, since I don't think I would have otherwise been able to take advantage of the computing power of a higher configuration anyway. So now the priority is to find a good notebook cooler. Any more comments on that subject?

 

I have Vista64, w/ SP2, and no problems.

You probably are missing updates to the SP1?? Just a guess, let Windows Update itself. That's what I did and I got IE8 and all that no problem.

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I have SP1 installed and I'm still not offered SP2 update. Maybe I should just download it and install it manually.

 

Yeah, there are 2 I'd reccommend w/o actually owning either; yet!!

First is the most popular Zalman 2000 Cooler!!

Next, we have the BIG BEAST!! lol. The NZXT Cyro LX!

That is a Triple 120mm Fan Cooler. Link to Video Review!

Check THIS and THIS for more!!

Good Luck!!
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Do you have "Auto Update" enabled? I assume you do, as it is the default.

If so, just keep clicking on Windows Update< Check For Updates.

It'll come eventually.

You COULD do it manually, just read the documents on Microsofts website, and make sure to do ALL the HP HDX18's updates too!!


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It is set for Auto Update. I'll check and see if there are other updates that needs to be done before I do a manual install of SP2.

 

Well, in that case sooby, I'd go ahead w/ the manual install. Of course, like you said, check the HP Driver Page and make sure you're up-to-date there.

I will inform you that, if you do get the new IE8, some people w/ the HDX18's FingerPrint Reader have been having MAJOR issues.

All you need to do basically, is once the new IE8 is installed, go to HP's HDX's Driver page and download and re-install the FingerPrint Reader's Drivers. Golden.

I Rock Firefox. Never, ever IE. But, still did re-install the driver.



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Link to HP HDX18t Driver (if you have the same as mine).

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Thanks, rageman. I've done some research on both of those coolers, and my concern about the NZXT Cryo is that it actually PUSHES air up into the unit. Does the Zalman also do the same? Since I haven't gotten my HDX yet, I still don't know where all the fans are, etc. I know the hdds are under the wrist area, so that's a priority to keep cool, but no clue about everything else, save that the gpu is near the back hinge area. I'm leaning towards the NZXT beast, but I understand that it's also quite loud (I know you can lower the settings, but it's supposedly pretty darn loud at max). Can anyone tell me if the NZXT cooler might actually be 'harmful' to the HDX18's own cooling system? I just wanna make sure I don't have a situation where fans are working against each other. I'm also looking at passive cooling, like the ThermaPak, but don't know if anyone here has actually used it. TIA!

 

You know, the thing is, IE8 is installed on my computer as part of the update. I do have 45 optional updates in Windows Update. None of them looks critical and applicable to how I use the computer. Do I need to install them all?

 

Here is a better explaination than I can type.. I have tried talking you through it and that did not seem to work so well so maybe pictures will help with a marked up PDF? Zalman Cooler HDX 18 and my attack dogs..

Be well and I hope you get a giggle from it all.

JW

 

LOL...attack dogs FTW!

 

Aw... did I miss the talk-through post? If so, my apologies. Thanks for the pics, and pdf helped. Lol at your attack dogs. Such cuties.

 

The screen on this dell is really horrible. I can barely make out the vents in JW's well-demarcated pdf... I hope the screen on the HDX18 is killer.

 

The Picture was not the greatest to begin with.. the important part that I did not mark up is the part of the Zalman that does not have holes drilled in it.. the part where the internal fan for the laptop is located at the back.. I never noticed it until the other day..

The 5 inches of no holes I think is just as important as the part of the cooler that has vents..

I am glad you have a better view..

Buy 2 HDD's (so you have the caddy's and cables when you upgrade.

Start thinking SSD (for read only OS and apps)

Think about one of these... http://www.lapdesk.com/products.jsp

When you upgrade your Vista to SP2.. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...4a-55ec-4972-a0d7-b1a6fedf51a7&displaylang=en

&...

When you upgrade your Bios.... http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3769207&os=2093&lang=en

Test your system free and easy (easy wayyyyy more important than free)

http://www.pcpitstop.com/

As well the finger print scanner update... http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&os=2100&product=3827799

Other than these I have not touched this machine and I have put it too work.. on a daily basis.. with ZERO problems..

I paid a lot of money to be able to say something nice.. but I would buy another tomorrow if this one was stolen. Stable and capable for heavy work load is how I would describe this machine..

I am going to buy a Sager (Clevo) to tinker with at some point.. but someone here just blasted the clevo as being unstable regardless of how fast it is.. so I am waiting for the other pros to answer a few questions (my chicken questions as I am not a pro) before spending the $6k+++ for the machine.

Once again sorry about the pictures.. I will re make a PDF and see if they (they ='s NBR here) will allow a much larger file to be uploaded.. I think I was testing their Good Will already today I think with all my uploads..

I hope this helped and be well, JW

 

I hope these are better pictures of the Vents to give you an idea of why the fan works well and where the Vents on the HDX 18 are located..

Be well, JW

 

sorted...was the primary hard drive that has a problem. probably cos i had two active partitions (windows 7 100mb hidden system partition and the normal c partition which i am sure i also made active!! oo-err)

hi guys. while im reading up for help, i am panic posting this hoping somebody can help...

I have had my HDX181010EA for a month now...3 weeks running fine with windows 7. Today after trying much software and hp quick play and media play installs and uninstalls. i found powerdvd to play bluerays off.

anyway..all was working fine but i decided to do another clean install of windows 7 x64 now i know my way around!!..

It did the first part of installing fine, after deleteing and renewing the first hard drive, windows 7 using its own 100mb for system use. but after it had installed files to the harddrive and then did its first run of setting up and then a restart..my computer now hangs on the bios screen where it says
"Press the ESC key for startup menu"

a couple of flashes of the harddrive light but nothing happens when i press esc and it just will not progress any futher... can anyone help please??

have taken the battery out for a few mins, and disconnected from main..but nothing..just hangs on that boot screen with the esc key message...pressing a key makes the pc beep!

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=385389&page=8

I am not running W7 until sp1 maybe 2 depending on the feed back.. I Love the idea of networking within the OS.. but I do not like drama.. anything pre sp1 is drama.

IMHO.. I like the fact XP runs in W7..

I like a lot..

But I hope that this W7.. or maybe another W7 forum here can help you find your way out of the woods.

Be well, JW

 

I guess it's a personal preference thing. I ALWAYS do.

SP2 LINK

 

Well JW, I think you just made up my mind on the cooler I am going to buy.

Zalman needs to put you on the payroll!!

 

They can't afford me...

How are ya Bro? I hope all is well in the Great White North.. My boss / significant others Family are all up there with you.. Mostly in B.C. Vernon..

That is some beautiful Country.. I am a Florida boy so give me Mountains and I am drooling..

The problem with the Zalman is the bottom..

http://www.lapdesk.com/products.jsp

Maybe these are the answer to the other half of the problem that is comfort.

I think my views of the Zalman are an echo of the Clevo operating pros.. by the way.. if someone will spend $6,000 plus dollars on a laptop and they love the Zalman and one better post the cooling numbers of there i7's..

That helped me along.. I guess I could find the link for the discussion here that was had and the before 150 degree numbers verse the after Zalman numbers of the mid 40's...

Be well, JW

 

Doing good man. The Detroit Lions won a game! There is something wrong w/ the World today!!

So are you saying that the Zalman is not that comfortable? I really need one that will be comfortable on my lap, as that is where my Laptop is most of the time.

Right now I just have my laptop on an old cooler that doesn't work just to let the HDX breath. My temps right now are 48-GPU; 49-HDD; 42&44 on the Cores, so not to bad. They never go over 61 while gaming!! Can't wait for the cooler though.

Also, I've decided that until the price comes down on the SSD's, I am going to get 2 of THESE.

2 Seagate 500GB 7200 RPM; 16mb Cache drives.$119 each.

I'll clone my current drive to one then give the 320 OS drive I have to my little 15 year old brother. He''s never had a drive that big, and defiantly not a External. I'll just throw it in a case, which I can get on eBay for $7 w/ shipping!!

But at least I'll have a TB to play w/!! And no external needed (just for backup)!!

 

I have the same drives in the 250gb form.. they work well..

I was hoping to end up with a raptor (10,000 rpm) for my write drive but thats not going to happen.. the heat sinks are HUGE..

I am still hung up on the SSD... http://www.photofast.tw/eng/SSD_G_Monster_V5.html

But the $850+++ dollar price makes me nervous without seeing what real people have to say..

I wanted to read or have my Operating System and apps on the SSD...and have a HDD for writting..

The Zalman has been good to me.. I would say get one of the bean bag thingys if you are going to use it in your lap though...

My best, JW

 

Yeah, that is insane for a HDD, to me at least since I am still in college. I figure in about a year I'll be getting a SSD. Even if the prices don't come down a ton by then.

Yeah, I'll have to consider that bean bag option as well.

And having the OS and Apps/Games on the SSD is the way to go, if you do get one!

 

If I get one.. when more like.. I will let you know what I think.. I just like to see what real people have to say first.. everything sounds or looks good when whoever is selling it says its great.. I would like to see a couple of the pros here get the SSD and run it on a machine that is not have raid and see what they say..

I like the real person saying yeah or neah really before I buy..

The SSD's are about all we can do but it is a blessing too maybe becuase the machine works verses being down becuase we tinkered to, too much..

You are better (way) than I am with just general everything computer wise but I am planning on learning..

Like your rainmeter skins.. that was great.. my big change is a Marlin (albeit a 1000 plus pound Marlin) for my wallpaper..

But I thank you, you have been great with everyone not just me..

My best to you and yours, JW

 

All right. I've been looking around getting mixed pros and cons between SSD and HDD. Now, I want to know from you why SSD seems to be the better candidate for the HDX18.

 

I have had an interest in a SSD that has an internal raid that is not yet available or for sale yet. The HDX does not have raid.. the SSD has raid so that I may stripe the drive for better performance..

http://www.photofast.tw/eng/SSD_G_Monster_V5.html

The problems with the factory SSD's are widely known and reported..

http://www.intel.com/design/flash/nand/mainstream/index.htm

http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/intel-issues-firmware-update-for-ailing-x18-m-and-x25-m-ssds/

So my wanting a professional opinion on a SSD that is not yet released is not an endorsement of any kind..

To be clear.

Sincerely, JW

 

thanks for link...but am aware of how to install W7.....im stuck at the BIOS boot screen,,,system will not enter bios when i press esc nor will it boot from the hard drive...it just stays there!!....keyboard seems to work fine and after about 20-25secs after the bios screen appears when i press a key i get a beep back...so i know the esc key works..just it wont enter bios setup!!

 

I have to ask do you have an Intell SSD? factory or otherwise? that you are loading to?

Be well, JW

 

actually, on the way home i remembered that when i deleted the 2 previous partitions, and then using the new button to recreate just 1 250gb partition

windows 7 reserved 100mb for system use and made it active, so when i used the rest of the Harddrive for my windows 7 partition i also made it active.

i think this may be the problem. Should i just have made my partition primary and left the windows 7 system 100mb hidden partition as the active partition?



just wondering how i can now reformat the drive, as i just cant get past the HP invent logo on the bios screen and cant even enter bios, let alone boot up!